The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) stands at the forefront of supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life through its Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP). Now in its 14th year, the VEP is a transformative initiative designed to equip veterans with the skills, knowledge and networks necessary to launch and grow successful businesses.
Our 2025 cohort has already kicked off with online course work, and we’re excited to meet participants on-site in Chattanooga in just a few short weeks.
“Every year, we get to witness an incredible transformation. Veterans come to the program with drive and determination, and over the course of the VEP, you can see their confidence grow as their ideas take shape,” said VEP Director Sandra Cordell. “They leave not just with a business plan, but with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in what’s possible. It’s an honor to be part of that journey.”
A comprehensive three-phase program
The VEP is structured into three distinct phases:
- Phase I: Concept development and self-study
Participants engage in a five-week online curriculum focusing on business concept development. This phase includes discussions and assignments led by UTC’s faculty. - Phase II: Boot camp (July 19 – 26, 2025)
Participants will come to Chattanooga for an intensive eight-day program where they’ll deep-dive into topics including business planning, funding strategies, marketing, operations and legal considerations. While it’s not your average physical training, the group will experience hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions and interactions with successful veteran entrepreneurs. - Phase III: Advisement and venture development
This is where the rubber meets the road. Our entrepreneurs return to their hometowns where the real work begins. Participants receive ongoing mentorship and peer-to-peer networking to refine their business strategies and overcome challenges.
Proven impact
“I started my business because of this program,” said VEP graduate Paul Whitten. “I probably wouldn’t have launched otherwise. If you are a veteran and want to start a business, you would be crazy not to participate in VEP.”
Since its inception, the VEP program at UTC has graduated over 180 veterans. Combined, their businesses have generated $123 million in revenue and created over 524 jobs.
VEP meets VEP 2.0
Every other year, we invite VEP graduates back for a VEP 2.0 program. The members of this group have successfully launched their business(es) and are digging deeper into essential skills for continuing momentum. While it’s not an eight-day boot camp, these participants will enjoy several days of workshops, mentoring sessions and peer-to-peer collaboration.
This year will be the first time the VEP and the VEP 2.0 sessions will overlap, giving our graduates an opportunity to encourage the newest cohort of veteran entrepreneurs.
Visit the UTC VEP website to learn more about the program.
